Left-back has been a problem position for Liverpool this season, with first choice Jose Enrique out of action from November onwards as he recovered from knee surgery.

Jon Flanagan, primarily a right-back, became the regular stand-in on the left - with Enrique returning to training in the spring and expected to be fit for pre-season - but is more likely to figure regularly in his natural position in the long term.

Aly Cissokho failed to impress at left-back when given a chance and has returned to Valencia following the end of his season-long loan spell.

Rodgers has stated that improving the club's defensive record, particularly away from home, has become a priority after they finished runners-up to Manchester City.

His side have gained a reputation for attacking football, having scored 101 league goals during the season, one fewer than the champions.

But they conceded 50 league goals - 13 more than City - and of the teams who finished outside the relegation zone, only Stoke City and Sunderland let in more on their travels.